Paul Turenne, QMI Agency

WINNIPEG - The sex assault trial for disgraced former hockey coach Graham James was shuffled along in a Winnipeg courtroom Thursday, with the next date set for Sept. 15.

James did not appear in court Thursday, as junior lawyers representing the Crown and defence simply got together to set further dates.

Court heard James and his lawyer need more time to discuss his case.

James is facing nine charges of sexual assault involving three minors that allegedly occurred between 1979 and 1994. The alleged victims include former NHL star and Russell, Man., native Theo Fleury.

James was convicted in 1997 of sexually assaulting two teenage hockey players, including former NHLer and Elkhorn native Sheldon Kennedy, and was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in jail. James was granted bail in December and is now living in Montreal.